Microsoft Copilot Data Risk Assessment, in partnership with Varonis

Understand the data risks and vulnerabilities in your data estate before deploying Copilot

As an experienced Microsoft Cloud Services Partner, we understand the transformative power of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in enhancing productivity and streamlining tasks for your workforce.

However, before integrating Microsoft Copilot, it’s essential to ensure your organisation’s data security and compliance posture is robust. This is where our expertise, combined with Varonis’ comprehensive Copilot data risk assessment, can make a significant difference, not only to the success of your Copilot project but ultimately to the protection of your data. 

Free Copilot Data Risk Assessment 

As an experienced Microsoft and Varonis partner, we offer a free assessment service using Varonis to help you understand your data landscape, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This assessment will provide you with a clear picture of your data security posture and help you take necessary actions to protect your sensitive information before you embark on your Copilot deployment. 

Request Your Free Copilot Data Risk Assessment

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Why Deploy Copilot? 

Microsoft Copilot integrates seamlessly with your existing Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging AI to enhance productivity and efficiency across your organisation. By automating repetitive tasks, Copilot allows employees to focus on higher-value activities, driving innovation and improving job satisfaction. Copilot’s advanced data analysis capabilities deliver actionable insights, enabling better decision-making and strategic planning. Furthermore, its intuitive user interface ensures a smooth adoption process, minimising disruption and maximising the return on investment. It is hailed as a revolutionary tool, and we’re seeing a surge of Microsoft customers readily adopting it, but what are the risks associated? 

How Copilot Accesses Data and Potential Risks 

Microsoft Copilot integrates deeply with your organisation’s existing tools and workflows, accessing a wide range of data sources to provide intelligent assistance and insights. This includes data from emails, documents, spreadsheets, databases, and other collaborative platforms.  

For instance, Copilot might analyse emails to schedule meetings, draft responses, or summarise lengthy threads. However, in doing so, it could potentially access sensitive information that is not intended for widespread use. For example, if an employee has saved confidential financial data in an easily accessible spreadsheet, or confidential customer information in an email correspondence, Copilot could inadvertently reference or expose this sensitive information to other users while generating reports or providing suggestions.  

Such scenarios underscore the importance of ensuring strict data governance and security measures are in place before deploying Copilot, to prevent accidental access and exposure of critical information. 

According to a Varonis study, “58% of companies found more than 1,000 folders that had inconsistent permissions, and 22% of all folders were accessible, on average, to every employee”, highlighting the widespread issue of overexposed data. 

Varonis reports that “on average, every employee has access to 17 million files”, which underscores the importance of managing data permissions effectively. 

The Importance of Copilot Pre-Deployment Data Assessment 

Understanding your data landscape is crucial because, without a clear understanding of where sensitive data resides and who has access to it, rolling out Copilot could expose your organisation to significant risks. Hidden vulnerabilities in your data landscape can lead to unauthorised access, data breaches, and compliance violations.  

Compliance with regulations is also essential, as many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations. Deploying Copilot without ensuring compliance can result in severe legal and financial consequences. A thorough pre-deployment assessment helps ensure that your organisation meets all necessary regulatory requirements.  

Additionally, protecting sensitive information is critical because Copilot’s integration means that it will interact with various types of data across your organisation. If sensitive information is not adequately protected, it could be inadvertently exposed, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust. 

Varonis reports that “on average, every employee has access to 17 million files”, which underscores the importance of managing data permissions effectively. 

How Krome & Varonis Can Help 

With our deep expertise and Varonis’ Advanced Data Risk Assessment capabilities, we can provide a thorough assessment of your data environment: 

• Data Discovery and Classification: Varonis automates the discovery and classification of sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, and intellectual property. Knowing exactly what data you have and where it resides is the first step in protecting it and ensuring compliance. 

• Access Controls and Permissions Management: By analysing and optimising permissions, Varonis identifies overexposed data and rectifies unnecessary access. This ensures that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential data breaches. 

• Monitoring and Alerting: Varonis monitors user activity and data access patterns to detect anomalies that could indicate potential security threats. By understanding normal behaviour, Varonis can quickly identify and alert you to suspicious activities. 

• Copilot Data Risk Mitigation Recommendations: Based on the findings, we will provide actionable recommendations to mitigate any identified risks. This includes tightening permissions, removing stale data, and implementing stronger access controls. 

• Reporting and Compliance: Finally, Varonis generates detailed reports that document the current state of your data security and compliance posture. These reports are invaluable for demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements and for internal audits. 

Contact us today to schedule your free Varonis assessment and take the first step towards a secure and successful Copilot deployment.